WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA AND PILATES?
The crossover between the two is very evident in my classes, particularly the focus on flexibility. Yoga is more holistic and has its origins in Ancient India.
Pilates was founded during WW1 by Joseph Pilates, Joseph was a POW and a wonderful anatomist who devised the discipline for purposes of rehabilitation (his story is inspirational!). If I had to state one main difference between the two, Yoga is more spiritual whereas Pilates is more physical using very specific targeted exercises to improve flexibility, strength and posture with a particular emphasis on the core.
WHAT IS BARRE AND BARRELATES?
Barre is TOUGH but not a cardiovascular workout - it sculpts the whole body and improves muscular endurance – in my Barre sessions we focus on small, pulsing movements with emphasis on form, alignment and core engagement. You will 'feel the burn' in your muscles, in the places you never knew you had. Its particularly great to tone glutes, buttocks and legs
Barrelates improves core strength and I incorporate a mix of Pilates and Barre, it is less intense that a Barre session but it still works your muscles – In this type of class I teach you to hold a ‘better form’, this will help you achieve ‘definition in your stomach and abdominal muscles’ whilst improving overall balance and posture.
Both disciplines combined will strengthen your ‘core’ and streamline your body!
DO I HAVE TO ATTEND A 1-2-1 PRIVATE SESSION FIRST IF I HAVE NEVER DONE BARRE OR PILATES BEFORE?
This is a personal choice. I do not stipulate this as a necessity however if you want to get the best out of my classes I always advise a 121, particularly if you are relatively new to exercise. I would ask yourself 3 questions and if the answer is No to any of these I believe a 121 would be invaluable
Do you know what neutral spine is?
Do you know how to recruit your abdominals – rib closure? Naval to spine connection?
Do you know what your glutes are?
If you know how to align your body and recruit your muscles you are going to get so much more out of the session – healthy spine, healthy movement patterns and healthy body
DOES A SPORTS MASSAGE HAVE TO BE PAINFUL?
No! Sometimes if a client has an injury or an adhesion then it may cause some discomfort but once the client recognises why a pin and stretch or a trigger point needs to be employed they understand the benefits.
General sports massages will keep the muscles from becoming too tight and therefore avoid painful adhesions so one every 4 weeks is advisable. Overall sports massages generally are FABULOUS and leave the client feeling reenergised. They are beneficial both pre and post events and in the words of my clients can know minutes off your PB.
Obviously I am happy to employ all the sports massage techniques but with more gentle Swedish massage strokes if your want a more relaxing massage – candles at the ready!
WHAT IS A BREAST CANCER EXERCISE SPECIALIST?
As A Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist I devise an exercise programme to restore range of motion post breast cancer. Each survivor is different, breast cancer does not discriminate age, race or gender. However,every cancer is different, some cancers are receptive to hormone treatment, some are not, some cancers require radiotherapy and chemo or both, for some clients a mastectomy may be required, for others not. People react to treatment on an individual basis and the effects of some post treatment drugs e.g. anastrozole can cause side effects, for example joint pain. Lymphedema after axillary clearance and radiotherapy can also occur and peripheral neuropathy after chemotherapy can also cause problems. With these in mind the Pilates exercise i use have to take all this into account. However instead of looking at what a survivor cannot do I approach it from the opposite angel – “there is so much that you can still do – we laugh a lot as we do our 50th squat !!)
Chris Onslow Director of MBODIES Training Academy brought the Pink Ribbon Programme to the UK and Europe after years of working with Drs and Physiotherapists on exercises to restore ROM and Strength to patients post breast cancer. Chris had witnessed his own mums decline in mobility, flexibility and strength after surgery and the limitations and pain that caused her. Inspired by the programme in the USA, he adapted the programme alongside the medical profession to reflect the latest theory and practice into what is now known as The Pink Ribbon Post Rehab Programme.
As mentioned earlier, my interest in rehabilitation post injury/surgery was increasing. My desire to reduce pain and discomfort in my clients and improve their mobility and strength inspired me to research the benefits of exercise in patients with cancer. The programme was so rewarding, and the testimonials received from clients of mine who have breast cancer is humbling. They feel they have regained not only their strength and mobility back but also their confidence. We have become a family and during lockdown a great support to each other.
If anyone out there is struggling with diagnosis, treatment, pain, anger, fear then please know there is a great support network. If exercise is not right for you yet then that is fine, The Haven provide so much more, nutrition advice, holistic treatments, mindfulness – please feel free to contact me for advice.
WHAT DO I WEAR FOR A SPORTS MASSAGE?
Privacy is paramount – obviously I need to get to the skin but new towels are provided for each session. Men shorts, ladies shorts or pants and an easily removable bra. In these COVID times if you prefer to bring your own towel that is fine. When you contact me I will send you a form to fill in discussing your needs.